UPDATE (1/13/2026):
4:30 p.m.:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office has arrested six people in connection with a mail theft operation that targeted debit cards and prescription medications. In a Facebook post, the sheriff's office says the investigation began on December 19th, 2025, when a victim reported her new debit card never arrived, but showed fraudulent activity on her checking account.
Sheriff David Harper said the initial investigation led deputies to Ace Hardware in Madison, where they say surveillance video identified 43-year-old Michael Schreiner using the stolen debit card. Schreiner was arrested and charged with use/possession of identification of another and two counts of petit theft.
Following Schreiner's arrest, numerous additional mail theft reports began coming into the sheriff's office. Witnesses reported seeing a small white four-door vehicle, possibly a Volkswagen, in areas where thefts happened.
Search warrants reveal extensive operation
On December 29, 2025, investigators obtained surveillance video of a second stolen debit card being used at multiple locations in town. The release states the footage identified two additional suspects and led to arrest warrants and a search warrant for the white Volkswagen.
The post goes on to say deputies located 48-year-old Frankie Mathis at her address on NE Mace Way in Lee and arrested her on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card. A search of Mathis's vehicle revealed stolen mail items, including Braille audiobooks for the blind, stolen debit cards, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Mathis faces additional charges of possession/use of identification of another, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. MCSO says the second suspect, 36-year-old Steven Merritt, was located and arrested on a later date.
SWAT team executes search warrant
The release states that further investigation led deputies to believe evidence was located at the NE Mace Way residence. The Madison County Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed a search warrant at the home on January 13th, where investigators identified additional suspects, 19-year-old Rebecca Bearden and 34-year-old-old Jonathan Cruce.
The search revealed large quantities of stolen mail, items purchased using stolen debit cards, additional stolen debit and credit cards, and various types of stolen prescription medications sent via mail, including multiple breathing treatment inhalers. Deputies also discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff's office says four additional suspects, including Bearden and Cruce, were arrested at the residence. The other two arrested were 23-year-old Megan Bearden and 34-year-old Jonathon Earle, who both face drug and stolen possession charges.
Ongoing investigation with federal partners
The Madison County Sheriff's Office says it's working with United States Postal Service Inspectors to return recovered mail to intended recipients and assist with potential federal prosecution.
Officials believe there may be additional thefts they are unaware of and are asking residents to check with recipients if they have sent debit or gift cards through the mail. People expecting to receive debit, credit, or gift cards who have not received them should contact the sender to confirm mailing.
MCSO says residents should monitor personal financial accounts for suspicious or fraudulent activity and report any concerns to the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
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8:00 a.m.:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday, in a Facebook post, that the mail theft ring that has been operating within the county has been dismantled. MCSO says multiple people have been arrested and that additional information on the investigation will be released soon.
Original:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office says they've received reports about a string of mail thefts in recent days.
They say many neighbors on the East side of the county have made those reports, and they claim the thieves have been stealing directly from mailboxes.
The MCSO is encouraging neighbors to check on payments they've sent or expect to receive via mail.
"If anyone is expecting credit cards or other forms of payment via mail, then it is suggested to check with your financial institutions and closely monitor all personal financial accounts for suspicious and fraudulent activity," the office said in a release.
Deputies say they're working with the US Postal Inspection Service to investigate who is responsible for the recent thefts.
While the office is urging the entire county to stay alert, they say neighbors should pay special attention to these areas:
· SE Donaldson Road
· NE Beulah Church Road
· NE Jacaranda Terrace
· NE Ivy Drive
· SE Thomas Way
· NE Barley Way
· SE Disston Trail
· NE Cassia Drive
· NE Rye Court
· NE Blue Ridge Landing Avenue
· NE Blue Springs Church Road
· NE Pine Ridge Ranch Road
· NE Mahlon Drive
· SE Blackhawk Drive
The MCSO says you can report suspicious vehicles or activity to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at (850) 973-4001, ext. 1.
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